Local jobless rates climb higher

March 13, 2013

WARREN - Jobless rates among local civilian employees jumped more than a full percentage point in January when compared to December, and closely resembled the high unemployment numbers of a year ago, according to figures released Tuesday by the state Department of Job and Family Services.

Trumbull County figures were reported at 9.5 percent for January, compared to 8 percent just one month earlier. The county's figures were listed at 9.2 percent a year ago.

By comparison, neighboring Mahoning County reported 9.4 percent unemployment in January, also up from the 7.3 percent in December. A year ago, Mahoning County reported jobless numbers of 9.6 percent.

Unemployment statistics for both Warren and Youngstown showed large jumps as well, with Warren listed at 9.9 percent, and Youngstown listed at 11.2 percent - both mirroring the rates of one year ago.

For comparison, both Warren and Youngstown jobless numbers were deadlocked at 9 percent each in December.

The jump in unemployment rates was the first downturn in several months that have been showing improvement. Until this month, the local jobless figures had beaten the national average for five straight months.

The seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment number was listed at 7 percent for January compared to 7.6 percent in January 2012. It was up slightly from 6.7 percent in December. Nationwide, the unemployment rate for January was 7.9 percent, up from 7.8 percent in December, but down from 8.3 percent in January 2012.

The number of workers unemployed in Ohio in January was 399,000, up from 385,000 in December. The number of unemployed has decreased by 42,000 in the past 12 months from 441,000, according to ODJFS.

Statewide, from January 2012 to January 2013, nonagricultural wage and salary employment rose 29,100.

Goods-producing industries increased 4,300 over the year. Manufacturing added 9,300 jobs through gains in durable goods, up 5,200, and nondurable goods, were up 4,100.